The moment I saw Nina Bakry's
über gorgeous earring on Instagram, I knew I had to put my hands on it. In a big City like Cairo full of jewelery makers, I started to find it hard for me to find a piece of jewellery that can blow out my mind. Till someone on my Instagram friends list tagged a photo of that earring am telling you about.
Nina has just started her jewelery line or to be more accurate "Body Jewelery" line. The line is not just about rings, earrings and hand cuffs, she has created some masterpieces to be worn on the upper arms, head,waist and even legs !!!
Last Saturday I visited Nina's workshop.The place reflects Nina's character, it's a mix of oriental kitsch, a unique style that I can weirdly describe as if like Frida Kahlo hangs out in Khan Al Khalili. So here is my interview with Nina, and we also got to know what's inside that pretty blonde's handbag.
1- Tell
us more about Nina, the girl behind that gorgeous line of body
accessories.
I’m a lover of all things artistic and innovative. I am drawn to
all forms of art and design. I have always had a passion for jewelry making,
which led me to regularly visit the jewelry making workshops in Khan El Khalili
and learn from the skillful jewelry makers. Recently, I enrolled in the Azza
Fahmy Design Studio workshop which gave me more of an in depth know how of the
more intricate jewelry making techniques.
2-
How and why did you start your own line?
I have always experimented with different materials. When I
finally knew what kind of jewelry designer and maker I wanted to be and what
materials best represent who I am, I decided to pursue it as more than a hobby.
My line is a result of years of exploration, learning, growing, and settling
into my own skin as a designer.
3- We
love that when you started, you started big, and set up your own workshop, tell
us was that as hard as it seems?
I have a large network of support, my husband, my family, my
friends, they all gave me the extra push I needed to go out and get my own
studio/workshop space. Once I had that, I knew things were real! I already knew
what kind of equipment I would need and had good contacts with suppliers. Yes
the move required capital at first, but it was an investment well worth it!
4- What
inspires you? I am inspired by
anything and everything. I draw inspiration from the world around me, it
doesn’t have to be something so obvious, it could be a moment or a feeling. I
also love exploring the aesthetic of various cultures. I am intrigued by the
visual representation of cultures throughout history.
5- What
materials do you like to work with?I work with precious and semi-precious stones, copper, brass,
silver, gold, and enamel.
6- Who
are your favorite local / International jewelery designers?I get asked this
question a lot , but i don’t have a particular favorite designer; I admire the
work of artists across the board, not just in jewelry design. I admire the work
of certain fashion designers, filmmakers, painters, and so on.
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| Nina in action |
7- How can we match accessories to our outfits?
I believe anything you put on your body can tell a story of who
you are at that particular moment. Sometimes I choose my jewelry or accessories
before I choose and outfit, and create an outfit that would make this piece of
jewelry shine and stand out. There is no formula, just follow your gut and
don’t pay attention to what the “trends” are or what people are wearing.
8- How
can one pick a perfect statement piece of jewelry?
It has to stir an emotion within you. The first time I lay my
eyes on a piece of jewelry, I have to feel something. If I don’t, I move on to
look at other pieces.
9-
Where is the best place to hunt for jewelry?
Of course Khan El Khalili, but the hidden spots, not the obvious
tourist spots. There are also several great boutiques and jewelry designers all
over Cairo.
10-
Other than designing jewelry what else do you love to do?
I love cinema, local and foreign, I love going to art
exhibitions, I love spending time with my family and friends. But mostly, I
just love being at home.
11-
Egypt probably has one of the biggest jewelry making markets, how are you
planning to stand out from all the other designers?
I don’t really stress about other designers. I do what I do
because I love it. If people like my stuff, then great, it’s a bonus!
12-
Give us some advice on how to care for our accessories.
Always store them separately, in little plastic baggies or in
those sacs you get from the silversmith’s. When you are buying jewelry, ask the
shop about the materials used, and how you can best care for them.
13- How
can people reach you?
My Instagram account is Nina Bakry Body Jewelry (@nina_bakry); people can reach me through the comments section. I can
also be reached on Facebook at Nina Bakry Body Jewelry.
14-
Future plans?
Just to keep doing what I love, and to always enjoy it!
15- So what does Nina have inside her bag?
She carries Hermes Evelyn, inside she has her YSL wallet, Dolce & Gabbana glasses, car keys, her notebook, Fendi makeup purse, with Bobbi Brown tinted moisturizer, Bobbi Brown art stick lipstick, Lancome mascara, Cath Kidston hand lotion, and Chanel beauty mist.
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| Nina |
